WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — The National Weather Service Seattle office said this morning, Monday, December 26th, 2 successive weather systems are expected to bring moderate to heavy rains that are expected to raise river levels across western Washington.
A cold front will move through the area this morning, bringing another round of heavier rainfall. After a brief break, another wet system will move through the area tonight and Tuesday. Snow levels will remain high through the period for mostly rain in the mountains.
The combination of these two wet frontal systems in rapid succession will bring a good amount of rain to the area but the progressive nature of the systems should keep most rivers from flooding (the rivers will rise significantly). National Weather Service (December 26, 2022)
Current forecast river levels for the Nooksack River show the river cresting this morning within action flood stage range at Saxon and Cedarville gauges and above minor flood stage tomorrow at Ferndale. These crest levels are higher than those recorded on December 24th.
Click for more information
Click for more information
While Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) offices are closed today, they have posted to social media accounts that, “There is a lot of water over roadways.” No specific roads are mentioned nor are they noted on the WCPW emergency road closures map, with the exception of Slater Road being closed.
The National Weather Service Seattle office announced a flood watch at 10:30am due to the potential for flooding caused by excessive rainfall in northwest and central western Washington, including Whatcom County.
The watch statement said, “The culmination of weekend snow and ice melt, a frontal system earlier today and another stronger frontal system expected tonight and Tuesday will exacerbate already rising river levels.” It added, “Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
River level forecasts can change frequently so drivers and property owners are advised to monitor the Nooksack River level forecast.
This story was updated at 10:50am with additional information from Whatcom County Public Works and a Flood Watch issued at 10:30am.